Statistics, B.S.

Program Code: STAT_BS

Program Description

This major helps prepare students with interests in mathematics, computation, and the quantitative aspects of science for careers in industry and government as statistical analysts, or for further graduate training in statistics. The major includes five options:

  1. An Actuarial Statistics Option for students interested in working as actuaries in the insurance or business fields;
  2. An Applied Statistics Option for students interested in a cross-disciplinary program, such as econometrics, or psychometrics;
  3. A Biostatistics Option for students interested in pursuing careers with pharmaceutical companies, research hospitals or other fields in which biological data is analyzed;
  4. A Graduate Study Option for students planning to go to graduate school in a statistics-related field; and
  5. A Statistics and Computing Option for students wishing to combine statistical expertise with programming skills.

What is Statistics?

Statistics is the field of study of that uses mathematics, computing, and analysis, to organize and understand data. Statisticians use critical and abstract thinking through the application of mathematical principles to statistical problems, and combine modeling with computational skills to analyze data.

You Might Like This Program If...

  • You enjoy problem solving and creative thinking.
  • You have a passion for turning information into decisions, discoveries, and insight.
  • You want to develop a skillset in high demand across a variety of fields in science, technology, finance, risk analysis, manufacturing, research, and industry.

Entrance to Major

In order to be eligible for entrance into the Statistics major, a student must have:

  1. Attained at least a 2.00 cumulative grade point average.
  2. Completed MATH 140 and MATH 141; and earned a grade of C or better in each of these courses.

Degree Requirements

For the Bachelor of Science degree in Statistics, a minimum of 120 credits is required:

Requirement Credits
General Education 45
Electives 0-1
Requirements for the Major 81-94

6-15 of the 45 credits for General Education are included in the Requirements for the Major. This includes: 0-9 credits of GN courses; 6 credits of GQ courses, 0-6 credits of GS courses.

Requirements for the Major

To graduate, a student enrolled in the major must earn a grade of C or better in each course designated by the major as a C-required course, as specified by Senate Policy 82-44.

Common Requirements for the Major (All Options)

Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
MATH 140Calculus With Analytic Geometry I Keystone/General Education Course4
MATH 141Calculus with Analytic Geometry II Keystone/General Education Course4
MATH 220Matrices Keystone/General Education Course2-3
MATH 230Calculus and Vector Analysis4
STAT 184Introduction to R 2
STAT 200Elementary Statistics Keystone/General Education Course4
STAT 300Statistical Modeling I3
STAT 380Data Science Through Statistical Reasoning and Computation3
STAT 400Statistical Modeling II3
STAT/MATH 414Introduction to Probability Theory3
STAT/MATH 415Introduction to Mathematical Statistics3
STAT 470WCapstone for Statistics Major--Problem Solving and Communication in Applied Statistics3
Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
Select 1-3 credits from:1-3
Introduction to SAS
Intermediate SAS for Data Management
Advanced Topics in SAS
Statistical Programming in SAS
Requirements for the Option
Select an option42-52

Requirements for the Option

Actuarial Statistics Option (48 credits)

Students who major in statistics with the actuarial statistics option and who wish to complete a concurrent major in mathematics may not choose the actuarial mathematics option in mathematics. Any other option in mathematics is acceptable.

Prescribed Courses
ECON 102Introductory Microeconomic Analysis and Policy Keystone/General Education Course3
ECON 104Introductory Macroeconomic Analysis and Policy Keystone/General Education Course3
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
ACCTG 211Financial and Managerial Accounting for Decision Making4
FIN 301Corporation Finance3
RM 302Risk and Insurance3
RM 410Financial Mathematics for Actuaries3
RM 411Long Term Actuarial Mathematics - Fundamentals3
RM 412Long Term Actuarial Mathematics - Advanced Topics3
STAT 463Applied Time Series Analysis3
Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
Select 3 credits from the following:3
Introduction to Programming Keystone/General Education Course
Introduction to Visual Programming
Introduction to Programming Techniques
Programming and Computation I: Fundamentals
Programming for Engineers with MATLAB Keystone/General Education Course
Programming for Engineers with C++ Keystone/General Education Course
Select 9 credits from the following:9
Principles of Epidemiology
Machine Learning and Algorithmic AI
Statistical Quality Control
Six Sigma Methodology
Linear Algebra
Matrix Algebra
Numerical Computations
Introduction to Numerical Analysis I
Modeling for Actuarial Science
Property, Casualty, and Health Insurance
Stochastic Modeling
Computational Statistics
Applied Nonparametric Statistics
Survey Sampling
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Select 8 credits from department list8
Applied Statistics Option (42 credits)
Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
Select 3 credits from the following:3
Introduction to Programming Keystone/General Education Course
Introduction to Programming Techniques
Programming and Computation I: Fundamentals
Programming for Engineers with C++ Keystone/General Education Course
Select 12 credits from the following:12
Principles of Epidemiology
Machine Learning and Algorithmic AI
Statistical Quality Control
Six Sigma Methodology
Linear Algebra
Matrix Algebra
Numerical Computations
Introduction to Numerical Analysis I
Modeling for Actuarial Science
Property, Casualty, and Health Insurance
Stochastic Modeling
Computational Statistics
Applied Time Series Analysis
Applied Nonparametric Statistics
Survey Sampling
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Select 27 credits from department list, including a minor in a supporting field other than Mathematics 127
1

Neither the mathematics major nor the six sigma minor, nor the risk management major with the actuarial science option may be used to satisfy the minor/concurrent major requirement. If a student wants to work in a supporting field that does not have a minor, he or she can propose a list of six appropriate courses and petition the Statistics Department for approval. It is the student's responsibility to justify the appropriateness of the proposed list. Students must receive a grade of C or better in each of these six courses.

Biostatistics Option (50-52 credits)
Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
BIOL 110Biology: Basic Concepts and Biodiversity Keystone/General Education Course4
CHEM 110Chemical Principles I Keystone/General Education Course3
CHEM 111Experimental Chemistry I Keystone/General Education Course1
Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
Select 3 credits from the following:3
Introduction to Programming Keystone/General Education Course
Introduction to Programming Techniques
Programming and Computation I: Fundamentals
Programming for Engineers with C++ Keystone/General Education Course
Select 7-8 credits from the following:7-8
Biology: Populations and Communities
Genetics
Biology: Molecules and Cells
Biology: Function and Development of Organisms
Select 6 credits from 400-level BIOL courses6
Select 12 credits from the following:12
Principles of Epidemiology
Machine Learning and Algorithmic AI
Statistical Quality Control
Six Sigma Methodology
Linear Algebra
Matrix Algebra
Numerical Computations
Introduction to Numerical Analysis I
Modeling for Actuarial Science
Property, Casualty, and Health Insurance
Stochastic Modeling
Computational Statistics
Applied Time Series Analysis
Applied Nonparametric Statistics
Survey Sampling
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Select 14-15 credits from department list14-15
Graduate Study Option (42 credits)

A student completing the Graduate Study option will have earned a minor in mathematics in addition to a B.S. in Statistics. However, a student must fill out and submit the appropriate paperwork to the Mathematics Department in order for this minor to be officially recognized.

Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
MATH 312Concepts of Real Analysis3
MATH 403Classical Analysis I3
MATH 404Classical Analysis II3
Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
Select 3 credits from the following:3
Introduction to Programming Keystone/General Education Course
Introduction to Programming Techniques
Programming and Computation I: Fundamentals
Programming for Engineers with C++ Keystone/General Education Course
Select 9 credits from the following:9
Elementary Combinatorics
Concepts of Discrete Mathematics
Complex Analysis (does not require a grade of C or better)
Wavelets and Fourier Analysis: Theory and Applications
Introduction to Modern Geometry 1
Introduction to Topology 1
Introduction to Numerical Analysis II
Mathematical Coding Theory
Select 12 credits from the following:12
Principles of Epidemiology
Machine Learning and Algorithmic AI
Statistical Quality Control
Six Sigma Methodology
Linear Algebra
Matrix Algebra
Numerical Computations
Introduction to Numerical Analysis I
Modeling for Actuarial Science
Property, Casualty, and Health Insurance
Stochastic Modeling
Computational Statistics
Applied Time Series Analysis
Applied Nonparametric Statistics
Survey Sampling
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Select 9 credits from department list9
1

Course does not require a grade of C or better
 

Statistics and Computing Option (42 credits)
Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
CMPSC 131Programming and Computation I: Fundamentals3
CMPSC 132Programming and Computation II: Data Structures3
CMPSC 465Data Structures and Algorithms3
Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
CMPSC 360Discrete Mathematics for Computer Science3
or MATH 311W Concepts of Discrete Mathematics
Select 9 credits of the following:9
Object Oriented Programming with Web-Based Applications
400-level CMPSC (other than CMPSC 451/MATH 451 or CMPSC 455/MATH 455)
Select 12 credits from the following:12
Principles of Epidemiology
Machine Learning and Algorithmic AI
Statistical Quality Control
Six Sigma Methodology
Linear Algebra
Matrix Algebra
Numerical Computations
Introduction to Numerical Analysis I
Modeling for Actuarial Science
Property, Casualty, and Health Insurance
Stochastic Modeling
Computational Statistics
Applied Time Series Analysis
Applied Nonparametric Statistics
Survey Sampling
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Select 9 credits from department list9

General Education

Connecting career and curiosity, the General Education curriculum provides the opportunity for students to acquire transferable skills necessary to be successful in the future and to thrive while living in interconnected contexts. General Education aids students in developing intellectual curiosity, a strengthened ability to think, and a deeper sense of aesthetic appreciation. These are requirements for all baccalaureate students and are often partially incorporated into the requirements of a program. For additional information, see the General Education Requirements section of the Bulletin and consult your academic adviser.

The keystone symbol Keystone/General Education Course appears next to the title of any course that is designated as a General Education course. Program requirements may also satisfy General Education requirements and vary for each program.

Foundations (grade of C or better is required and Inter-Domain courses do not meet this requirement.)

  • Quantification (GQ): 6 credits
  • Writing and Speaking (GWS): 9 credits

Breadth in the Knowledge Domains (Inter-Domain courses do not meet this requirement.)

  • Arts (GA): 3 credits
  • Health and Wellness (GHW): 3 credits
  • Humanities (GH): 3 credits
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS): 3 credits
  • Natural Sciences (GN): 3 credits

Integrative Studies

  • Inter-Domain Courses (Inter-Domain): 6 credits

Exploration

  • GN, may be completed with Inter-Domain courses: 3 credits
  • GA, GH, GN, GS, Inter-Domain courses. This may include 3 credits of World Language course work beyond the 12th credit level or the requirements for the student’s degree program, whichever is higher: 6 credits

University Degree Requirements

First Year Engagement

All students enrolled in a college or the Division of Undergraduate Studies at University Park, and the World Campus are required to take 1 to 3 credits of the First-Year Seminar, as specified by their college First-Year Engagement Plan.

Other Penn State colleges and campuses may require the First-Year Seminar; colleges and campuses that do not require a First-Year Seminar provide students with a first-year engagement experience.

First-year baccalaureate students entering Penn State should consult their academic adviser for these requirements.

Cultures Requirement

6 credits are required and may satisfy other requirements

  • United States Cultures: 3 credits
  • International Cultures: 3 credits

Writing Across the Curriculum

3 credits required from the college of graduation and likely prescribed as part of major requirements.

Total Minimum Credits

A minimum of 120 degree credits must be earned for a baccalaureate degree. The requirements for some programs may exceed 120 credits. Students should consult with their college or department adviser for information on specific credit requirements.

Quality of Work

Candidates must complete the degree requirements for their major and earn at least a 2.00 grade-point average for all courses completed within their degree program.

Limitations on Source and Time for Credit Acquisition

The college dean or campus chancellor and program faculty may require up to 24 credits of course work in the major to be taken at the location or in the college or program where the degree is earned. Credit used toward degree programs may need to be earned from a particular source or within time constraints (see Senate Policy 83-80). For more information, check the Suggested Academic Plan for your intended program.

Integrated B.S. in Statistics and M.A.S. in Applied Statistics

Requirements for the Integrated B.S. in Statistics and M.A.S. in Applied Statistics can be found in the Graduate Bulletin.

Program Learning Objectives

  • Statistical methods and theory: Graduates will be prepared to design studies, use graphical and other means to explore data, build and assess statistical models, employ a variety of formal inference procedures (including resampling methods), and draw appropriate scope of conclusions from the analysis. They will have knowledge and experience applying a variety of statistical methods, assessing their appropriateness, and communicating results. They will have a foundation in theoretical statistics principles for sound analyses.
  • Data management and computation / data science: Graduates will be facile with professional statistical software and other appropriate tools for data exploration, cleaning, validation, analysis, and communication. They will be able to program in a higher-level language, to think algorithmically, to use simulation-based statistical techniques, and to undertake simulation studies. Graduates will be prepared to manage and marshal data, including joining data from different sources and formats and restructuring data into a form suitable for analysis. Graduates will be prepared to undertake analyses in a well-documented and reproducible way.
  • Mathematical foundations: Graduates will be prepared to apply mathematical ideas from linear algebra and calculus to statistics, and to set up and apply probability models.
  • Statistical practice: Graduates will be prepared to write clearly, speak fluently, and construct effective visual displays and compelling written summaries. Graduates will be prepared collaborate in teams and to organize and manage projects. They will be prepared to communicate complex statistical methods in basic terms to managers and other audiences and visualize results in an accessible manner.
  • Discipline-specific knowledge for application domain: Graduates will be prepared to apply statistical reasoning to domain-specific questions. This capacity includes translating research questions into statistical questions and communicating results appropriate to different disciplinary audiences.

Source: American Statistical Association Undergraduate Guidelines Workgroup (2014). 2014 curriculum guidelines for undergraduate programs in statistical science. Alexandria, VA: American Statistical Association.

Academic Advising

The objectives of the university's academic advising program are to help advisees identify and achieve their academic goals, to promote their intellectual discovery, and to encourage students to take advantage of both in-and out-of class educational opportunities in order that they become self-directed learners and decision makers.

Both advisers and advisees share responsibility for making the advising relationship succeed. By encouraging their advisees to become engaged in their education, to meet their educational goals, and to develop the habit of learning, advisers assume a significant educational role. The advisee's unit of enrollment will provide each advisee with a primary academic adviser, the information needed to plan the chosen program of study, and referrals to other specialized resources.

READ SENATE POLICY 32-00: ADVISING POLICY

University Park

Andrea Brandimarte
Undergraduate Academic Adviser
323E Thomas Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-863-0355
stat-advising@psu.edu

Suggested Academic Plan

The suggested academic plan(s) listed on this page are the plan(s) that are in effect during the 2023-24 academic year. To access previous years' suggested academic plans, please visit the archive to view the appropriate Undergraduate Bulletin edition (Note: the archive only contains suggested academic plans beginning with the 2018-19 edition of the Undergraduate Bulletin).

Actuarial Option: Statistics, B.S. at University Park Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 140 (GQ)*‡#†4MATH 141 (GQ)*‡#†4
STAT 200 (GQ)*†4STAT 300*3
STAT 184*2ECON 104 (GS)3
PSU 161ACCTG 211*4
ECON 102 (GS)3General Education Course (GN)3
General Education Course (GHW)1.5 
 15.5 17
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 220*†3STAT 414*3
MATH 230*4STAT 400*3
STAT 380*3General Education Course (GH)3
CMPSC 131*†3FIN 301*3
ENGL 15 or ESL 15 (GWS)3RM 302*3
 16 15
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
STAT 415*3STAT 463*3
RM 410*3RM 411 or 420*3
ENGL 202C (GWS)3STAT 440 (Adv Stat)*3
CAS 100 (GWS)3General Education Course (GN)3
General Education Course (GA)3General Education Course (US)3
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
RM 420 or 411*3STAT 470W*3
STAT 466 (Adv Stat)*3RM 412 or 422*3
General Education Course (GA)3STAT 4801
General Education Course (GH)3Supporting course (check with advising)3
General Education Course (IL)3General Education Course (GN)3
 General Education Course (GHW)1.5
 15 14.5
Total Credits 123
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and satisfy a portion of that General Education requirement. If the student’s program prescribes GWS these courses will replace both ENGL 15/ENGL 30H and CAS 100A/CAS 100B/CAS 100C. Each course is 3 credits.

Applied Option: Statistics, B.S. at University Park Campus

Note: a supporting program is required for this program (e.g., minor or concurrent major); consultation with an academic adviser is recommended.

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 140 (GQ)*‡#†4MATH 141 (GQ)*‡#†4
STAT 200 (GQ)*†4STAT 3003
STAT 184*2ENGL 15 or ESL 15 (GWS)3
PSU 161General Education Course (GH)3
General Education Course (GA)3General Education Course (GN)3
General Education Course (GHW)1.5 
 15.5 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 220*†3STAT 414*3
MATH 230*4STAT 463*3
CMPSC 131*†3CAS 100 (GWS)3
STAT 380*3Supporting Course3
General Education Course (GS)3General Education Course (GA)3
 16 15
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
STAT 415*3STAT 440*3
STAT 400*3STAT 416*3
ENGL 202C (GWS)3Supporting Course3
Supporting Course3General Education Course (IL)3
General Education Course (GH)3General Education Course (GS)3
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
STAT 464*3STAT 470W*3
STAT 466*3STAT 480*1
Supporting Course3Supporting Course3
Supporting Course3Supporting Course3
General Education Course (GN)3General Education Course (US)3
 General Education Course (GHW)1.5
 15 14.5
Total Credits 122
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and satisfy a portion of that General Education requirement. If the student’s program prescribes GWS these courses will replace both ENGL 15/ENGL 30H and CAS 100A/CAS 100B/CAS 100C. Each course is 3 credits.

Program Notes:

The applied statistics option requires that the student complete the requirements for a supporting minor or concurrent major. Neither the mathematics major/minor nor the six sigma minor, nor the risk management major with the actuarial science option may be used to satisfy the minor/concurrent major requirement. If a student wants to work in a supporting field that does not have a minor, he or she can propose a list of six appropriate courses and petition the Statistics Department for approval. It is the student's responsibility to justify the appropriateness of the proposed list. Students must receive a grade of C or better in each of these six courses.

Applied Option (MATH 26): Statistics, B.S. at University Park Campus

Note: a supporting program is required for this program (e.g., minor or concurrent major); consultation with an academic adviser is recommended.

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 26, 40, or 41 (GQ)3MATH 140 (GQ)*‡#†4
STAT 200 (GQ)*†4STAT 300*3
STAT 184*2ENGL 15 or ESL 15 (GWS)3
PSU 161General Education Course (GH)3
General Education Course (GA)3General Education Course (GN)3
General Education Course (GHW)1.5 
 14.5 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 220*†3MATH 230*4
MATH 141*‡#†4STAT 464*3
CMPSC 131*†3CAS 100 (GWS)3
STAT 380*3Supporting Course3
General Education Course (GS)3General Education Course (GA)3
 16 16
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
STAT 414*3STAT 466*3
STAT 400*3STAT 415*3
ENGL 202C (GWS)3Supporting Course3
Supporting Course3General Education Course (IL)3
General Education Course (GH)3General Education Course (GS)3
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
STAT 463*3STAT 470W*3
STAT 440*3STAT 480*1
Supporting Course3Supporting Course3
Supporting Course3Supporting Course3
General Education Course (GN)3General Education Course (US)3
 General Education Course (GHW)1.5
 15 14.5
Total Credits 122
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and satisfy a portion of that General Education requirement. If the student’s program prescribes GWS these courses will replace both ENGL 15/ENGL 30H and CAS 100A/CAS 100B/CAS 100C. Each course is 3 credits.

Program Notes:

The applied statistics option requires that the student complete the requirements for a supporting minor or concurrent major. Neither the mathematics major/minor nor the six sigma minor, nor the risk management major with the actuarial science option may be used to satisfy the minor/concurrent major requirement. If a student wants to work in a supporting field that does not have a minor, he or she can propose a list of six appropriate courses and petition the Statistics Department for approval. It is the student's responsibility to justify the appropriateness of the proposed list. Students must receive a grade of C or better in each of these six courses.

Biostatistics Option: Statistics, B.S. at University Park Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 140 (GQ)*‡#†4MATH 141 (GQ)*‡#†4
STAT 200 (GQ)*†4STAT 300*3
STAT 184*2ENGL 15 or ESL 15 (GWS)3
PSU 161CHEM 110 (GN)*†3
BIOL 110 (GN)*†4CHEM 111 (GN)*†1
 General Education Course (GHW)1.5
 15 15.5
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 220*†3STAT 414*3
MATH 230*4BBH/HPA 440*3
BIOL 220W (GN)*†4CAS 100 (GWS)3
STAT 380*3CMPSC 131*†3
General Education Course (GA)3General Education Course (GH)3
 17 15
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
STAT 415*3STAT 463*3
STAT 400*3STAT 416*3
ENGL 202C (GWS)3400-level BIOL*3
BIOL 222, 230W, or 240W3General Education Course (IL)3
General Education Course (GS)3General Education Course (IL)3
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
STAT 440*3STAT 470W*3
STAT 466*3STAT 464*3
400-level BIOL*3STAT 480*1
Supporting Course3Supporting Course3
General Education Course (GN)3General Education Course (US)3
 General Education Course (GHW)1.5
 15 14.5
Total Credits 122
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and satisfy a portion of that General Education requirement. If the student’s program prescribes GWS these courses will replace both ENGL 15/ENGL 30H and CAS 100A/CAS 100B/CAS 100C. Each course is 3 credits.

Graduate Studies Option: Statistics, B.S. at University Park Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 140 (GQ)*‡#†4MATH 141 (GQ)*‡#†4
STAT 200 (GQ)*†4STAT 300*3
STAT 184*2ENGL 15 or ESL 15 (GWS)3
PSU 161General Education Course (GH)3
General Education Course (GA)3General Education Course (GN)3
General Education Course (GHW)1.5 
 15.5 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 220*†3STAT 414*3
MATH 230*4MATH 312*3
CMPSC 131*†3CAS 100 (GWS)3
STAT 380*3MATH 310*3
General Education Course (GS)3General Education Course (GA)3
 16 15
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
STAT 415*3STAT 440*3
STAT 400*3STAT 416*3
ENGL 202C3MATH 404*3
MATH 403*3MATH 311W*3
General Education Course (GH)3General Education Course (GS)3
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
STAT 463*3STAT 470W*3
MATH 429*3STAT 480*1
MATH 436*3MATH 451*3
General Education Course (IL)3General Education Course (GN)3
General Education Course (GN)3General Education Course (US)3
 General Education Course (GHW)1.5
 15 14.5
Total Credits 122
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and satisfy a portion of that General Education requirement. If the student’s program prescribes GWS these courses will replace both ENGL 15/ENGL 30H and CAS 100A/CAS 100B/CAS 100C. Each course is 3 credits.

Statistics and Computing Option: Statistics, B.S. at University Park Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 140 (GQ)*‡#†4MATH 141 (GQ)*‡#†4
STAT 200 (GQ)*†4STAT 300*3
STAT 184*2ENGL 15 or ESL 15 (GWS)3
PSU 161General Education Course (GH)3
General Education Course (GA)3General Education Course (GN)3
General Education Course (GHW)1.5 
 15.5 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 220*†3STAT 414*3
MATH 230*4STAT 463*3
CMPSC 131*†3CAS 100 (GWS)3
STAT 380*3CMPSC 132*†3
General Education Course (GS)3General Education Course (GA)3
 16 15
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
STAT 415*3STAT 440*3
STAT 400*3CMPSC 465*3
ENGL 202C (GWS)3CMPSC 360*3
CMPSC 221*3General Education Course (IL)3
General Education Course (GH)3General Education Course (GS)3
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CMPSC 448*3STAT 470W*3
STAT 466*3STAT 480*1
CMPSC 442*3CMPSC 455*3
Supporting Course3Supporting Course3
General Education Course (GN)3General Education Course (US)3
 General Education Course (GHW)1.5
 15 14.5
Total Credits 122
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and satisfy a portion of that General Education requirement. If the student’s program prescribes GWS these courses will replace both ENGL 15/ENGL 30H and CAS 100A/CAS 100B/CAS 100C. Each course is 3 credits.

Actuarial Option: Statistics, B.S. at Commonwealth Campuses

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
MATH 140 (GQ)*‡#†4MATH 141 (GQ)*‡#†4 
STAT 200 (GQ)*†4General Education Course (GA)3 
ENGL 15 or ESL 15 (GWS)3ECON 104 (GS)3 
First-Year Seminar1ACCTG 211*4 
ECON 102 (GS)3General Education Course (GN)3 
General Education Course (GHW)1.5  
 16.5 17 
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
MATH 220*†3STAT 414 (or Supporting Course)*3STAT 414 (if not taken during the 4th semester)*3
MATH 230*4ENGL 202C (GWS)3 
CAS 100A (GWS)3FIN 301*3 
CMPSC 131*†3General Education Course (GH)3 
General Education Course (GN)3General Education Course (US) 
 16 12 0
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
STAT 415*3STAT 463*3 
RM 410*3RM 411 or 420*3 
STAT 184*2STAT 380*3 
STAT 300*3RM 302*3 
General Education Course (GA)3General Education Course (GN)3 
 14 15 
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
RM 420 or 411*3STAT 470W*3 
STAT 400*3RM 412 or 422*3 
STAT 466*3STAT 480*1 
STAT 440*3STAT 463*3 
General Education Course (GH)3General Education Course (IL)3 
 General Education Course (GHW)1.5 
 15 14.5 
Total Credits 120
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

Applied Option: Statistics, B.S. at Commonwealth Campuses

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 140*‡#†4MATH 141*‡#†4
STAT 200*†4ECON 1043
PSU 161General Education Course3
ECON 1023ENGL 15 (or General Education Course)3
ENGL 15 (or General Education Course)3General Education Course3
 15 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 220*†2STAT 414 (or Supporting Course)*3
MATH 230*4ENGL 202C3
CAS 100A3CMPSC 121 or 131*†3
Course for required minor*3Course for required minor*3
General Education Course3General Education Course3
 15 15
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
STAT 184*2STAT 380*3
STAT 414 (or Supporting Course (if not taken in 4th semester))*3STAT 415*3
STAT 461*3STAT 462*3
Course for required minor*3STAT 480*1
General Education Course3Course for required minor*3
General Education Course3General Education Course3
 17 16
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
STAT 416*3STAT 470W*3
STAT 466*3MATH 451*3
General Education Course (GHW)1.5STAT 416*3
Course for required minor*3Course for required minor*3
Course for required minor*3Course for required minor*3
General Education Course3General Education Course (GHW)1.5
 16.5 16.5
Total Credits 127
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

Program Notes:

The applied statistics option requires that the student complete the requirements for a supporting minor or concurrent major. Neither the mathematics major/minor nor the six sigma minor, nor the risk management major with the actuarial science option may be used to satisfy the minor/concurrent major requirement. If a student wants to work in a supporting field that does not have a minor, he or she can propose a list of six appropriate courses and petition the Statistics Department for approval. It is the student's responsibility to justify the appropriateness of the proposed list. Students must receive a grade of C or better in each of these six courses.

Biostatistics Option: Statistics, B.S. at Commonwealth Campuses

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 140*‡#†4MATH 141*‡#†4
STAT 200*†4CHEM 110*†3
PSU 161CHEM 111*†1
BIOL 110*†4ENGL 15 (or General Education Course)3
ENGL 15 (or General Education Course)3General Education Course3
 16 14
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 220*†2STAT 414 (or Supporting Course)*3
MATH 230*4ENGL 202C3
CAS 100A3CMPSC 121 or 131*†3
BIOL 220W, 222, 230W, or 240W*†3-4BIOL 220W, 222, 230W, or 240W*†3-4
General Education Course3General Education Course3
 15 16
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
STAT 184*2STAT 380*3
STAT 414 (or Supporting Course (if not taken in 4th semester))*3STAT 415*3
STAT 461*3STAT 462*3
BIOL 400-Level Selection*3STAT 480*1
Supporting Course3Supporting Course3
General Education Course3General Education Course3
 17 16
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
STAT 416*3STAT 470W*3
STAT 466*3MATH 451*3
BIOL 400-Level Selection*3STAT 416*3
Supporting Course3Supporting Course3
Supporting Course3Supporting Course3
General Education Course (GHW)1.5General Education Course (GHW)1.5
 16.5 16.5
Total Credits 127
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

Graduate Studies Option: Statistics, B.S. at Commonwealth Campuses

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 140*‡#†4MATH 141*‡#†4
STAT 200*†4ENGL 153
PSU 161General Education Course3
General Education Course3General Education Course3
General Education Course3General Education Course3
 15 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 220*†2STAT 414 (or Supporting Course)*3
MATH 230*4ENGL 202C3
CAS 100A3CMPSC 121 or 131*†3
MATH 311W*3MATH 312*3
General Education Course3General Education Course3
 15 15
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
STAT 184*2STAT 380*3
STAT 414 (or Supporting Course (if not taken in 4th semester))*3STAT 415*3
STAT 461*3STAT 462*3
MATH 403*3MATH 404*3
General Education Course3Supporting Course3
General Education Course3General Education Course3
 17 18
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
STAT 416*3STAT 470W*3
STAT 466*3MATH 400-Level Selection*3
MATH 436*3MATH 310*3
STAT 480*1MATH 451*3
General Education Course3Supporting Course3
General Education Course (GHW)1.5General Education Course (GHW)1.5
 14.5 16.5
Total Credits 127
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

Statistics and Computing Option: Statistics, B.S. at Commonwealth Campuses

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 140*‡#†4MATH 141*‡#†4
STAT 200*†4CMPSC 122 or 132*†3
PSU 161General Education Course3
CMPSC 121 or 131*†3ENGL 15 (or General Education Course)3
ENGL 15 (or General Education Course)3General Education Course3
 15 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 220*†2STAT 414 (or Supporting Course)*3
MATH 230*4ENGL 202C3
CAS 100A3CMPSC 221*3
General Education Course3Supporting Course3
General Education Course3General Education Course3
 15 15
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
STAT 184*2STAT 380*3
STAT 414 (or Supporting Course (if not taken in 4th semester))*3STAT 415*3
STAT 461*3STAT 462*3
MATH 311W or CMPSC 360*3STAT 480*1
Supporting Course3Supporting Course3
General Education Course3General Education Course3
 17 16
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
STAT 416*3STAT 470W*3
STAT 466*3MATH 451*3
CMPSC 465*3STAT 416*3
CMPSC 400-Level Selection*3CMPSC 400-Level Selection*3
General Education Course (GHW)1.5Supporting Course3
General Education Course3General Education Course (GHW)1.5
 16.5 16.5
Total Credits 127
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

Career Paths

Statistics can be applied in a broad range of fields, including business, agriculture, finance, public policy, and many more. As data in all forms become more easily stored and accessed, so does the demand and opportunity for statisticians to help others discern what can (or cannot) be learned from the information available. In fact, statisticians are also frequently sought after for their disciplined approach to problem solving and critical thinking, even when no formal data analysis is needed.

Careers

Statisticians in the pharmaceutical industry work with doctors and research scientists to design and execute experiments and clinical trials. - Statisticians at technology and manufacturing companies work to advance product development from ensuring reliability and quality of hardware components to software development. - Statisticians collaborate with epidemiologists and public health agencies like the NIH and CDC to study infectious disease dynamics among threatened populations. - Statisticians at government agencies like the U.S. Department of Education, Census Bureau, and Department of Labor help inform public policy and assess impact of legislative changes. - And much more…

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT POTENTIAL CAREER OPTIONS FOR GRADUATES OF THE STATISTICS PROGRAM

Professional Resources

Contact

University Park

DEPARTMENT OF STATISTICS
323 Thomas Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-863-0355
stat-advising@psu.edu

https://science.psu.edu/stat